DAYS: Stephen Nichols' latest TVGuide Plog

[ademption]

Patch's Days Blog

by Stephen Nichols

DID YOU FALL IN?

“Where you been, Dude?” People who’ve been asking about airtime, you’ll be happy to know I’ve been working my buns off... that’s where. Yeah, almost every day. Sweeps of Our Lives.

Happy to report, I met up with Mark Wayne “Hoagy Carmichael” Sheffer (new head writer) and his lovely and charming right-hand woman, Meg Kelly (see photo at stephennichols.net). Hogan is a very personable fellow. When I walked in the room and went to shake his hand, we had that uncomfortable Midwestern-bred moment where you don’t know whether to shake hands or embrace. Then came the “Oh shucks, come here” moment when Hoagy just pulled me into a bear hug. I said, “Well, that’s all I needed. See you later,” and headed for the door. Meg laughed and said, “Oh, you actors.” So true – we’re a bunch of babies. First thing Hogan said to me was, “You gave me some DVDs. Well, the fans have sent me even more. And I have to tell you, the stuff you and Mary Beth did was the best ever in daytime.” Wow, that was a nice compliment. I had dropped off some DVDs of Patch and Kayla stuff from the early years. All beautifully packaged, in separate chronological volumes, including companion guides courtesy of the inimitable Sherry McCutcheon.

Sherry is our fearless (Stephen and Mary Beth’s) fan club leader, organizer extraordinaire, tireless supporter and good friend. I met Sherry when I was on that other show on another network. You know, the one where I played the dude who wore the expensive suits. She had brilliant ideas about fan events, promotions, how to make things special for our fans – and she has. She also catered for the entire cast and crew during the shoot of my short film Get the Dime. The truth is Sherry rarely ever sleeps and every waking hour is spent doing something for others. Sherry, if you’re reading this… well, you know how I feel.

Some of you have been asking, “Where’s Steve’s ink?” You’ll be getting a peek of the be-daggered pectoral soon. Keep your eyes peeled; just a peek (see tantalizing photo at stephennichols.net). And what the heck is that shirt I’m wearing? Hmm. Now onto questions and comments. I’ve got a lot of lines to learn.

Yeah, babzee and others who’ve commented on the size of the patch: There was a little peekaboo incident where viewers claim they saw the corner of my eye (where there should be none). I went to one of my wonderful wardrobe masters, Jesse, and asked that he close up that little gap with a piece of felt, which he did, expertly. He is currently working on some new, improved patches with the little silver thingies on the ends.

Leigh1972 pointed out that Patch was a gourmand. Thanks, I had forgotten that. As a side note, I really love all these historical comments. It’s great for me because I have forgotten so much and it helps me do a better job.

Queenliser, I love your alliteration: “true testament to your tremendous talent.” The only thing I love better than alliteration is a good limerick or pun.

Cstock, thanks for not using the “A” word. The research into “not remembering” has been very enlightening.

Mlynnd and others who started their Patch and Kayla journey at age eleven or so, it’s so great to hear all of your stories – your connection to Days of our Lives and to Patch and Kayla.

Juju says she thinks it would be interesting for Steve to have memories come to him out of context, like Patch and Kayla at the hot springs or the time Patch held Hope captive. Yeah, this is an intriguing subject because – when you consider that what has happened to Patch is the result of some kind of diabolical intervention – there are so many possibilities.

Patchmeifyoucan, I love your handle!

Babs hopes the writers give Steve and Kayla something soon… a look. Something. Oh baby, watch out! It’s a comin’ – in spades.

CinderAngelik “liked the Jack and Jen goodbye, liked Steve lurking on the fringes, like he needed to be there – yet it was so foreign to him.” I always love these opportunities to speak without words, and much credit goes to director Albert Alarr for setting up those shots.

SteveandKaylaforever and many others commented on the line Steve spoke to Kayla in response to her asking, “Is that what you want?” when he said, “What I want? Who am I? I’m no one.” This is the essence of the Nick/Steve conflict.

I dig how observant you guys are. You’re really watching.

Rhodora589 tells a funny story about being in the kitchen doing chores when her husband yells from the living room, “Patch is back!” Sounds like she dropped the mop and came to see what the heck he was talking about. I hope she wasn’t running in looking for Robin Williams (Patch Adams).

Marypickford believes Steve’s interactions with Billie and Kayla at the hospital show how he subconsciously trusts Kayla more than Billie. He was able to break down with Kayla and show the depth of his feelings to her but wiped his eye and seemed to be uncomfortable showing emotion to Billie. Very astute, Ms. Pickford.

Hey, everybody, thanks again for all the time you invest in the show and reading the Plog. Your feedback always means a lot to me.

It’s Sunday here in Los Angeles. I only have a few hours left before tomorrow when I have to show up with thirty pages of words packed into my cranium.

There once was a man named Stevie,

Who had a huge pet-peevie.

With each passing day,

The brain don’t wanna’ play

When he tried to remember the dialogue-geegies.

Oh, that was bad – ran out of rhymes. Sorry.

Gotta roll.

Love,

The Patchman

http://community.tvguide.com/forum.jspa?forumID=800007610

Here's a link to the pic of Hogie, Meg Kelly that SN referred to in his plog:

http://www.stephennichols.net/gallery/disp...m=167&pos=1

[PhoenixRising05]

I LOVE this man and it sounds likr GREAT Steve/Kayla stuff during sweeps. Right on time!!

Sweeps on Days should be great.

[Cheyenne]

Gosh I love him! And his "plogs" are entertaining as few.

[DaysForever]

Oh, I'm sure Sweeps will be awesome now. With all the stuff happening this coming week, it seems like sweeps are already here. I can't wait!

I always love Stephen's "plogs." Funny man.

I'm so glad Steve & Kayla are going to get a huge amount of airtime this coming month.

[danthig]

I'm glad DAYS is on the upswing with Hogan and Meg on board.With the ABC soaps in a downturn DAYs should take advantage of this ratings opportunity and run with it .The show is appearing to be doing that.Take that Frons.

[Bree]

If Stephen ever decides to leave daytime (which I hope he doesn't) he would be a great comedian.

LMAO at " I met Sherry when I was on that other show on another network. You know, the one where I played the dude who wore the expensive suits." Priceless.

[PSPCindy]

You know even if SN were not such a great actor, I can see why he is a fan favortie. How loyal is he to his loyal fans?

I knew as soon as sweeps rolled around we would get lots of Steve and Kayla. Finally!

I am so excited about the prospects of the sweeps in regard to all the characters. This will be a true umbrella story and we will get to see all our favorties!

Thank you Hogan!